In the Fall of 2016, K9 Hondo became the 5th canine with the Palatine Police Department and is partnered with Officer Raul Contreras. K9 Hondo is a male German Shepherd born in Europe on January 20, 2015. Officer Contreras and K9 Hondo attended a four week canine course at FMK9 in Berrien Center, MI. K9 Hondo is certified through the North American Police Work Dog Association "NAPWDA" in narcotics detection, tracking of suspects and lost persons, building / area / article searches, and aggression control. K9 Hondo lives at home with Officer Contreras and his family.